The best beaches of Sarasota offer much more than just a place to soak up the sunshine and dig your toes into the sand. Each beach has its own charm and provides a range of experiences suitable for everyone, whether you’re seeking family-oriented activities or tranquil retreats by the sea. The coastline is within easy reach in Sarasota, and there is free parking at many of the public beaches, a great feature for budget-conscious travelers.
With our list of the best beaches in Sarasota, you can check out places like Siesta Beach, ranked by many as one of the top beaches in the United States, or beautiful Turtle Beach and the quiet beaches on Lido Key. You can also head south to nearby Manasota Key and Venice for more beaches, seaside activities and beachside restaurants. Check out our list of the best beaches in Sarasota and start planning your coastal getaway.
Beaches on Siesta Key
1. Siesta Beach
Siesta Beach on Siesta Key, one of the best vacation spots in the U.S. welcomes you to its pristine, family-friendly shores adorned with powdery white sands. The beach is equipped with a range of attractions that cater to all ages. Families and children delight in the playgrounds and volleyball courts, as well as picnic areas set aside for their leisure. For added comfort, beachgoers can rent chairs, umbrellas and beach wheelchairs from the Siesta Sand Plaza concession stand.
Elevating your time at Siesta Beach are amenities like free parking and the availability of the Siesta Key Breeze Trolley that has stops throughout Siesta Key.
Suggested activity: Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour - Siesta Key, FL
2. Crescent Beach
Crescent Beach has only two public access points which helps keep this beach more secluded than the other must-do spots on Siesta Key. The quiet beach is a family-friendly spot, and the powdery white sand is an inviting locale for sunbathers. Meanwhile, snorkeling is a popular pastime at Point Rocks, on the south end of the beach.
3. Turtle Beach
Nestled in a tranquil setting, Turtle Beach is an idyllic retreat for nature lovers. This calm haven is not only peaceful but also serves as a crucial habitat for sea turtle nesting from May through October when visitors can witness the extraordinary natural phenomenon. However, it is important to remember you should never touch or interact with the sea turtles or their nests. Here are some more do's and don'ts for observing sea turtles on Sarasota beaches.
This family-friendly beach has a playground, horseshoe pit and picnic area. It is also adjacent to the Turtle Beach Campground for those who would like to experience beach camping. Also Siesta Key Breeze Trolley stops here making it a convenient locale. So if you are looking for an ideal destination to unwind amidst nature while keeping an eye out for sea turtles, look no further.
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Beaches on Lido Key
4. North Lido Beach
North Lido Beach, aka North Lido Beach Park, is an undeveloped area on Lido Key. This peaceful and more secluded beach offers a natural respite from everyday life. Conservation is an important part of maintaining the beach park, and guests are urged not to disturb bird nesting areas and refrain from interacting with or disturbing wildlife.
This beach sports a canoe and kayak launch, but no lifeguards are on duty. The are also nature trails to further explore and enjoy the area.
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5. South Lido Beach:
At South Lido Beach, enjoy the sun, sand and recreational activities on Lido Key. While here, you can partake in kayaking as well as beach volleyball. Amenities at this beach include
- Picnic areas
- Barbecue grills
- A playground
- Restrooms
This is not a safe place to swim because of the strong currents, and no lifeguards are on duty.
Beaches on Manasota Key
6. Englewood Beach
Englewood Beach, located in Chadwick Park, is on Manasota Key just south of Sarasota. With inviting white sand lined with warm Gulf waters, the family-friendly beach has volleyball courts, a basketball court and horseshoe pits, so whether you want to relax in the sand or have an active day, there's something here for you.
Other amenities at the beach include:
- A boardwalk with lookouts
- Showers
- Restroom
- A playground
7. Stump Pass Beach
Stump Pass Beach Park is a tranquil setting that allows visitors to explore nature. There are also trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing. In the winter, you can take a ranger-led hike. Plus the park offers a kayak launch for those who wish to view the beach from paddleboard or kayak.
This secluded beach on Manasota Key is a great spot to find shells, especially in winter. Remember, though, that while your furry friend is allowed in the park, dogs are not permitted on the beach.
Beaches in Nearby Venice
8. Venice Beach
Venice Beach, in Venice, Florida, is a fun spot to visit while vacationing in Sarasota. The walkable downtown and free parking means that you can see the town and visit the beach without a lot of driving. On Venice Beach, you'll see a sail-style pavilion, where you can find some concessions. Other amenities include:
- Lifeguard stations
- Picnic tables
- Beach volleyball
- Water fountains for both humans and pets
9. Caspersen Beach
Caspersen Beach in Venice offers a lovely natural setting where beachgoers can enjoy walking and birdwatching on a nature trail through a coastal hammock. There’s also a canoe launch and fishing pier. Yet Caspersen Beach is most famous for the shark teeth that wash ashore; the best time to find shark teeth is at low tide, especially after a storm. Other amenities at Caspersen Beach include a playground and restrooms.
10. Nokomis Public Beach
For a family-friendly beach that has a touch of history, head over to Casey Key to find the oldest public beach in Sarasota County — Nokomis Beach. You can relax on the sand, play beach volleyball and take kids to the playground. In addition to the boat launch and fishing pier, other amenities at this beach include a canoe launch, picnic area and restrooms.
Dog-friendly Beaches in Sarasota
If you are traveling with your dog to Sarasota, you'll want to head over to nearby Venice for the only dog-friendly beach in Sarasota County.
11. Brohard Beach and Paw Park
If you are traveling with canine companions, head to Brohard Beach and Paw Park for a fun day in the sun. Dogs can play leash-free at Brohard Beach, the only dog-friendly beach in Sarasota County.
Park facilities keep dogs in mind with amenities including:
- Enclosed areas for dogs to play
- Dog-friendly showers
- Water fountains for both humans and dogs
Anna Maria Island Beaches
Anna Marie Island is north of Sarasota and is a peaceful beach community, where you can relax on the beach, enjoy a meal at one of the fantastic eateries like those near Holmes Beach and walk out onto the city pier near Bayfront Park.
Manatee Beach offers lifeguards, restrooms, showers and a playground making it a great choice for a family-friendly beach. Another popular spot is Coquina Beach — a popular beach among shell hunters and collectors. You can also find shark teeth here.
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